Loddon Herald 17 August 2023

Roads going half potty

REGIONAL Roads Victoria maintenance crews will make inspection of the crumbling Calder Highway at Inglewood a priority.

Large pot holes, one up to half a metre wide and several centimetres deep, have appeared in Brooke Street in the past fortnight.

Department of Transport and Planning was alerted to the condition of the highway last Friday. It comes as potholes and deteriorating road surfaces at Bridgewater and along the Loddon Val-

Hairy moments in good grooming

THE challenge is on to honour the Loddon’s best groomed bloke. Tarnagulla’s Strictly Vintage Fair next month wants to find the best groomed moustache and beard in its Facial Hair Extraordinaire competition.

Locals Brett Trenenen and Lance Billen have thrown out the challenge for any one to face off against the hirsute veterans.

Brett started growing his beard the day he left the army in 1987 to augment his previously regimented moustache.

And newcomer to facial grooming, Lance, only started his growth eight years ago when the lure of gold prospecting brought him to the area.

Lance says he may even wax the moustache for competition day.

ley Highway at Serpentine have raised concerns with motorists.

A department spokesperson said on Tuesday: “Last year the Inglewood area experienced the wettest year on record.

“This unprecedented level of rainfall caused incredible levels of damage to our roads and we’re still seeing new potholes open up months after the peak of the floods due to the amount of water left sitting under the surface.

“We’re getting on with repairing that damage, with $770 mil-

lion set to be spent on maintaining our road assets and flood recovery during 2023-2024 and $2.8 billion over 10 years announced as part of the Victorian Budget.”

The spokesperson said: “Incredible levels of rainfall across Victoria in the past two years ... caused a huge amount of damage to our roads.

“Our experts are finalising a program of works that will repair hundreds of kilometres of our state’s roads, keeping drivers

Vietnam Veterans’ Day

and freight on the move across Victoria.

“In order to carry out these vital repairs, we need to wait for drier, warmer conditions – delivering this type of work when conditions are cold and wet means we risk the repairs not delivering a long-term solution.

“Our crews are continuing to monitor every single kilometre of our arterial road network on a regular basis, delivering shortterm repairs where needed and planning for long-term solutions.”

VIETNAM Veterans’ Day will be commemorated with a brief service at Inglewood’s war memorial tomorrow evening. The 6pm service will be held on the anniversary of one of the fiercest battles of the Vietnam War, the Battle of Long Tan. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the Federal Government has struck a commemorative medallion for veterans.

Sounds of steam

MUSIC lovers are on track for a weekend-long treat with Monday’s announcement of Sound Tracks, a new live music and tourism experience set on a restored steam train that will travel from Melbourne to Charlton in October. The journey is part of a series of flood recovery music events that includes Whole Loddon Love playing in Boort, Pyramid Hill, Bridgewater and Newbridge ahead of the 2022 flood emergency anniversary.

Final functions

WEDDERBURN sporting groups are preparing for their final functions in the Donaldson Park pavilion before it is demolished as part of the $5 million community hub upgrade. Sports end of season events will be held this month.

Brett Trenenen and Lance Billen brush up their hirsute growth for Tarnagulla’s celebrations next month.

LH PHOTO

FLOOD RECOVERY UPDATE BULLETINAUGUST 17

HEALTH & WELLBEING SUPPORT

Royal Flying Doctor Service - Flying Doctor Wellbeing - Available to those aged 18+. Call (03) 8412 0480.

Rural Financial Counselling Service - free and con dential nancial support - Call 1300 735 578

Mind Australia Bendigo Call 1300 286 463 or visit mindaustralia.org.au

Orange Door - You have a right to be safe - Call 1800 512 359

Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) - An intake organisation for Alcohol and other Drugs, Mental health, Youth and other clinical services for the Loddon area.

1800respect - Con dential information, counselling and support service. Call 1800 737 732

Nurse on Call 24 hour caring and professional health advice 1300 60 60 24.

Lifeline: 24hr crisis support and suicide prevention services: 13 11 14 or lifeline. org.au

Beyond Blue Information and support for anxiety and/or depression: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.com.au

Kids Help Line 24hr phone and online counselling service for people aged 5-25: 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au

Seniors Rights Victoria - Elder abuse, prevention and support - 1300 368 821

Emerging Minds Provides resources for parents, carers, and families about infant and child mental health: emergingminds.com.au

Translation and Interpreter Services

Provides access to phone and on-site interpreting services. Requests must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance. www.tisnational.gov.au

National Relay Service Assistance making a phone call if you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impediment. Speak and listen number: 1300 555 727.

LOCAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Community Health/Hospitals

Boort District Health

3 Kiniry St, Boort P: (03) 5451 5200

Inglewood and District Health Services

3 Hospital St, Inglewood P: (03) 5431 7000

Northern District Community Health

P: (03) 5451 0200

Boort Medical Centre

2 Coutts St, Boort P:(03) 5451 5200

Dingee Bush Nursing Centre

21 King St, Dingee P:(03) 5436 8309

Marong Medical Practice

8 Hospital St, Inglewood P:(03) 5438 3308

Wedderburn Health Clinic

25 Wilson St, Wedderburn P: (03) 5494 3511

Legal Services

Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Service P: 1800 450 909

Neighbourhood Houses

Boort Resource and Information Centre

(BRIC) 119-121 Godfrey St, Boort

P: (03) 5455 2716

Inglewood Community

Neighbourhood House

Cnr Verdon & Market St, Inglewood

P: (03)5455 2716

Pyramid Hill Neighbourhood House

43 Kelly St, Pyramid Hill P: (03) 5455 7129

Wedderburn Community House

24 Wilson St, Wedderburn

P: (03) 5494 3489

David Younger talks ood recovery at Bridgewater

Melbourne-based natural disaster recovery and preparedness consultant David Younger presented to Loddon Shire residents at a dinner in Bridgewater on Friday 4 August.

Loddon Shire Council’s Community Recovery team organised the dinner at the Bridgewater Hotel to provide ood-impacted residents with the opportunity to hear David’s tips for recovery. The event was part of Council’s community recovery program, jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments.

David has been supporting communities throughout Australia since the 2009 Black Saturday res.

He is also a clinical psychologist and has seen rsthand there can be opportunities for recovery and rowth within adversity.

“While most people do recover successfully from a natural disaster, it can sometimes be a far more challenging and complex journey than expected,” David said during his discussion at the Bridgewater dinner.

“For some, certain aspects of life are unfortunately never the same.” With over a decade’s experience, David helps communities recognise that hidden within adversity are opportunities for adaptation, recovery and growth.

In speaking at the dinner, David said the rst element of a natural disaster, such as a ood event, is the disruption.

“This results in uncertainty and heightened stress. We go into adrenalin mode, which can ultimately lead to exhaustion. To build back up your energy levels can often take up to six months.

“The second element is a sense of loss,” David added.

“There is of course the physical impact – water through your house –but also the nancial impact. Loss varies from person to person and it

WHAT’S ON

13 September - Dinner with Rob Gordon, Dingee Hotel

As we approach the one year anniversary of the October 2022 oods, join us for dinner with clinical psychologist Dr Rob Gordon OAM who has dedicated his career since the terrible Ash Wednesday res of 1983 to helping traumatised communities and emergency service workers recover after disaster. (See advertisement Page 11 for details)

3-5 October Elmore Field Days

The Elmore Field Days is an annual three day premier agricultural event. With more than 700 exhibitors you will have everything from tools and hardware through to pools and tractors, kids’ activities, machinery, plants, arts and crafts, steel yards, fashion, cattle crushes and anything in between. You can also catch up with Council’s ood recovery support team at the eld days.

6 – 14 October Whole Loddon Love

Whole Loddon Love – Whole Loddon Love is a series of contemporary music gigs taking place in community halls + pubs along the Loddon River, areas severely a ected by ooding in 2022. Tickets free for locals & kids, and only $15 for others! Money raised will go to local community groups and ood recovery.

Fri 6 Oct Victoria Hotel, Pyramid Hill (evening)

Sat 7 Oct Railway Hotel, Boort (evening)

Sun 8 Oct Newbridge Hotel, Newbridge (afternoon)

Sat 14 Oct Bridgewater Hotel, Bridgewater (evening) Book at www.wholeloddonlove.com

Stay up-to-date at www.facebook.com/wholeloddonlove

LODDON SHIRE SERVICES AND CONTACTS

Loddon Shire Council’s Flood Recovery team would love to hear from you and assist you through your ood recovery.

Please get in touch if you would like to chat about ood recovery for you and your community.

Call Mal: 0499 978 145 or Josie: 0474 911 783

is often hard for people to open up about it. The recovery process requires that we look after our own health and wellbeing and that of our community. Staying connected is one of the most important aspects of the recovery journey.

“It often takes a long time to accept what you have been through and to recognise the impact of the event on your mental health. It is important to seek help and make use of the health and wellbeing support services that are available.

“As we approach the one-year anniversary of the latest ood event think about the need to conserve energy – some of you still have a marathon to run.”

For health and wellbeing support services available in the Loddon Shire, see Council’s Flood Recovery Bulletin in the Loddon Herald each fortnight.

Sat 14 October - The 2023 Melbourne Cup (valued at $600,000) will be at the Boort Agricultural Show on Saturday 14 October. Come along and get your photo taken with the Cup.

7-8 October - Loddon

Valley Arts Trail

The Loddon Valley Arts Trail will showcase the creative talents of our region, while also creating opportunities for artists to promote their work and connect with art lovers and adventurers from all around.

Stay up-to-date at www.facebook.com/LoddonValleyArtsTrail/

12 November - George the Farmer in Serpentine

George the farmer inspires kids to learn creatively about agriculture and where their food and bre comes from. Join George the farmer for a live performance in the Serpentine Memorial Hall on Sunday 12 November. Save the date and watch for more information. Suitable for children aged Foundation - Year 4.

For up-to-date information regarding ood recovery and council services:

 Visit our website at www.loddon.vic.gov.au

 Call our o ce between 8.15am-4.45pm, Monday-Friday on (03) 5494 1200; or

 Go to our Facebook page facebook.com/LoddonShire/

Mayor, Cr Dan Straub, pictured with the 2023 Melbourne Cup

Colleen Condli e, Mayor Dan Straub and David Younger at the Bridgewater dinner.

Ambulance station report ‘an internal document’

By CHRIS EARL

THE State Government has refused to release a 2016 report it claims declared the old Inglewood ambulance station unsafe.

Community protesters have demanded to see the report as they battle Government demolition plans of the 1980s brick building.

However, the Department of Health this week said the building assessment report was an internal document.

The Loddon Herald has now lodged a Freedom of Information request to access the document.

A petition to stave demolition has already gained more than 500 signatures.

Campaign leaders including Faye Orange, Howard Rochester, Bev Taig and Colleen Condliffe have been in the Inglewood IGA foyer over the past week gathering support.

The petition follows a protest outside the old station earlier last week. Signs calling for the building to be saved had been left outside the building but later disappeared.

Some community members have called for the 1980s brick building to be made available to Inglewood and Districts Health Service as office space or converted into accommodation or

a child care centre to benefit the community.

Faye said the community had been kept in the dark on demolition plans.

And while Howard said he was confident people power would gain the ear of decision makers, a sit-in to prevent the wrecker’s ball knocking down the build-

ing remained a possibility. He claimed there had been indications Ambulance Victoria may be prepared to hold community consultation.

However, the Health Department on Monday denied there were plans for a community meeting or consultation.

Fellow protester Colleen Con-

Communicating important message

ALLIED health staff at Inglewood and Districts Health Service have packed hundreds of promotional bags ahead of Speech Pathology Week starting on Sunday.

Speech pathology services are offered across the Loddon Shire by Inglewood and Boort health services and Northern District Community Health.

Staff at Inglewood on Tuesday packed information leaflets in bags that will be distributed next week in Speech Pathology Week to raise awareness of communication disability and the role of speech pathologists.

Speech Pathology Week aims to highlight the vital role speech pathologists play in supporting quality of life across the lifespan, their work and the profession.

Speech Pathology Australia says one in seven Australian’s will have a communication difficulty at some stage in their life.

Unpaid rates trigger sale

LODDON Shire Council is selling a parcel of Wedderburn land after rates were not paid for more than three years.

dliffe said: “We have had hundreds of people sign the petition. We need all the buildings possible at the moment and there has been no evidence offered as to why this building should be demolished.”

Work started late last year on the new station that is contained within a gated block of land adjoining the old station.

The State Government said a 2016 report had shown there was asbestos in the old station but has refused to release that finding.

Late on Sunday a Department of Health spokesperson said: “We have continued to monitor and maintain the old building to ensure the safety of our paramedics while work to prepare and build the new station is underway.”

The spokesperson said “The 2016 report on the building was “an independent document prepared for internal purposes to help inform the Department of Health on the condition of the building and its suitability for ongoing, long-term use.

“Asbestos testing is undertaken prior to any demolition,” they said.

Northern Victoria Region MP Gaelle Broad in State Parliament this month asked Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas to intervene and hold talks on saving the building.

A Melbourne law firm advertised the sale in regional media last week.

“Council may sell any rateable land to recover unpaid rates and charges ... that is more than three years overdue, where no current payment arrangement exists, and where all other means of debt collection have been exhausted,” said the shire’s corporate director Amanda Wilson.

“All steps in the legal process have been taken in order to collect the outstanding rates and charges, with no success.”

Safety appointment

FORMER Boort school student Tracey Slatter has started in her new role of chief executive officer of the Transport Accident Commission. Ms Slatter also serves on the boards of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (Victoria) and Water Services Association of Australia and is deputy chair of the Barwon Regional Partnership. Ms Slatter was previously CEO of Barwon Water.

Lisa Armitage and Caitlin Sturgess prepare the promotional bags.

A protest sign left outside the old Inglewood ambulance station slated for demolition by the State Government.

Love our local!

The

Trading hours

Monday – Open 3.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Social Darts Night

Tuesday – Open 2.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm  Trivia Night

Wednesday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm  Pot’n’Parma Night

Thursday – Open Midday

Dinner from 5.30pm Steak’n’Pot Night

Friday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm

Dinner from 5.30pm

Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm

With Hot Bar Snacks, Meat Raffle

Saturday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 5.30pm

Sunday – Open Midday

All Day Pizza Menu  Close 11.00pm

Lakes on Aboriginal register

Property owners around Lake Boort, Lake Lyndger and Little Lake Boort received letters of the decision from Department of Premier and Cabinet’s director heritage services first peoples - state relations Harry Webber.

Mr Webber said the Lake Boort cultural landscape had been registered for its cultural, spiritual, social, historical and archaeological significance to Aborigines.

“The registration of Lake Boort is not likely to affect your continued use of your land nor does it impact your right to control or access your property,” he said.

“However, in the event you wish to undertake new development activities on your property, you may need to assess the impact of these activities in accordance with the Act.

According to a fact sheet with the letter to landowners, farming can continue on land in the Lake Boort cultural landscape provided it does not harm Aboriginal heritage.

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“Aboriginal cultural values can be tangible and intangible - values we can see or touch, as well as values that are not immediately visible but are culturally known.

“Prior activities do no diminish those values ... Aboriginal cultural heritage does not cease ... if it is damaged or modified.”

High-impact activities since 2007 “may require” a permit or approval.

The fact sheet says all of the Lake Boort cultural landscape is an area of cultural heritage sensitivity.

The second Sunday of each month from May – August

Three

Niemann celebrates 40-year local government career

FORMER Loddon Shire chief executive officer Craig Niemann last week notched up four decades working in local government.

Mr Niemann has been Greater Bendigo CEO since 2007 and joined that council two years earlier after having been at the helm of Loddon between 1997 and 2005. His career also included working for the former Shire of East Loddon.

Mr Niemann grew up on a dairy farm at Yarrawalla and started his local government career with the former Borough of Eaglehawk.

A former Inglewood and Districts Health

Service board member for more than 10 years, Mr Niemann will step down as Greater Bendigo CEO in December.

When he was appointed to the Bendigo role almost 16 years ago, Mr Niemann paid tribute to mentors including former Loddon Shire councillors John Brooke and Frank Maher.

Greater Bendigo at the weekend began its search for a new CEO, assisted by recruitment company Davidson and council says it expected to announce a new appointment in October. Mr Niemann has made no announcement on his plans after stepping down from the Bendigo role. Craig

NIemann

IMPROVEMENT works at Little Lake Boort’s Myrnong Beach are expected to be finished this month. Fred Assi and Bradley Haw are pictured installing the irrigation system to water the grass and drippers while works have also included replacement of bollards and topping up the walking path with granitic sand. Other works part of the $47,500 Loddon Shire project at Myrong Beach are two new wheelchair friendly picnic tables and chairs made with material produced from recycled rubbish bins, garden beds, a recycling bin and planting of new trees.

LAND near three Boort lakes was last week put on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register.

lakes added to government heritage register

Alerts ‘discredited for truth’

VIC EMERGENCY warnings during October’s flood emergency had been discredited as a source of truth, Loddon Shire has told a Victorian Parliament inquiry.

The council has used its submission to the Legislative Council committee to criticise warning systems, response co-ordination and mitigation communication.

Ahead of public hearings in Rochester and Echuca, council’s submission was published on the Victorian Parliament website last week with the shire saying flooding had left a $36 million damage bill for roads and bridges and a further $8 million of damage to sporting pavilions, halls, canoe launching facilities and walking tracks.

Mayor Dan Straub wrote that Agriculture Victoria estimated the farming community had lost more than $100 million in cropping and more than 3500 livestock. And he says nature-based tourism and economic development slowed significantly during and after the flood with a $2.5 million downturn.

“Due to the warning ‘life-cycle’ in the Vic Emergency application, warnings were issued and reissued a number of times, sometimes after water had long receded. Because of the volume of warnings being issued/reissued both prior, during and after the event, the Vic Emergency notifications were somewhat unvalued, ineffectual and discredited as a source of truth during the

event,” Loddon Shire’s submission says.

“Further to this a large number of flood warnings on the Loddon River were issued at locations like Bridgewater-on-Loddon and Newbridge townships. These warnings resulted in water levels ranging from no impacts on the community to significant impacts like those experienced in October 2022.

“This further exacerbates complacency with the warning system. The parameters of the warning categories need a review to make them more meaningful to the community.

“Given the high rainfall experienced over months prior to the October flooding, council had checked the township stormwater flaps to ensure flooding rivers were unable to backflow into towns via the stormwater system. Council also undertook a sandbag audit and replaced UV impacted sandbags with a stock-

pile of 25,000 sandbags stored at depots across the municipality for early distribution.

“During the event, the state provided a further 60,000 sandbags. Additionally, sand stockpiles were in place at our depots and local suppliers also had a reasonable quantity of sand for this purpose.

“Council also had equipment in place to support closure of the Loddon Valley Highway and construction of a levee across the highway to protect the township of Serpentine.”

Cr Straub says that despite years of advocacy for a mobile phone tower to be installed, Newbridge and Bridgewater have limited or no mobile phone reception further inhibiting communication and alerts during emergencies.

“It would be helpful to understand if inflows to Laanecoorie from the larger Tullaroop and Cairn Curran reservoirs would al-

Volunteer group repair funds under joint pact

RECREATION reserves across the Loddon Shire are sharing in almost $12 million of grants to repair damage from last October’s flood emergency.

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action grants under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements have already seen roads and the cricket pitch repaired at Kingower Cricket and Recreation Reserve with a $17,719 grant.

Newbridge Recreation Reserve, severely damaged in the floods, has received $242.950 towards the clean up, repair and reinstatement the key facility infrastructure including roads, security facilities and internal shelfing and cupboards.

Work has also started this month replacing damaged tennis court fencing at Newbridge.

Other grants announced this week include:

z $37,117 Bridgewater Recreation Reserve: Repair and reinstatement of drainage;

z $25,000 Fentons Creek Recreation Reserve: Repair to driveway and parking area.

z $70,484 Rheola Pioneers’ Memorial Park: Repairs and reinstatement of driveway and playground.

z $84,395 Tarnagulla Recreation Parks: Repair and reinstatement of roads and drainage.

z $56,793 Yarrawalla Community Centre: Repair and reinstatement of drainage around the public toilets at the Yarrawalla Community Centre.

z $11,000 Dunolly Recreation Reserves: Tree safety works at the Deledio Recreation Reserve.

z $104,083 East Shelbourne Recreation Reserve: Repair and reinstatement of key buildings and roads at the East Shelbourne Recreation Reserve.

z Raywood Recreation Reserve: Morshead Park: $1,1 million for repair and reinstatement of tennis/netball courts, light towers, roads, car parks, sprinklers, fencing and clubrooms at Raywood Recreation Reserve.

z $21,758 Charlton Courthouse Committee of Management: Restore and reinstate floors and walls at the Charlton Courthouse.

z $4408 Charlton Golf Club: Restore and reinstate contour banks and walking tracks at Charlton Golf Club.

Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said: “This important funding will ensure that parts of our community that were hit hardest by last year’s floods are able to recover as quickly as possible.”

“With this funding, flood affected committees across the state are restoring halls, caravan parks, camping areas and multiuse recreation reserves for use by residents and visitors,” she said.

Storage over mitigation, says Pattison

WATER authorities had prioritised the maximisation of water storage over the competing interest of flood mitigation.

That’s the view put by Fernihurst farmer Ken Pattison to the Victorian Parliament flood inquiry.

Mr Pattison’s submission is one of more than 700 now made public by the inquiry

committee. He wants reservoir management plans amended to mandate a buffer of freeboard (airspace) storage capacity during any wet periods as identified by the BOM and catchment hydrology reports. He has also called for Government to mandate the release of real-time data from reservoirs.

low greater warning that Laanecoorie reservoir would reach major flood levels. As Laanecoorie Reservoir is approximately 17km (by river) from Newbridge, inadequate warning was available to the people of Newbridge and surrounds.”

Council’s submission says Bridgewater had about 12 hours warning allowing “significant preparation to occur because the community responded instantly working together to prepare areas which would flood. With greater warning this community would have been better positioned to save further infrastructure and homes from flooding”.

Loddon Shire says it wants greater flood monitoring systems downstream of Laanecoorite, “It was difficult to obtain official information about the location of the water front to understand the speed of movement and time to prepare.

“Council was using local staff, contacting local CFAs and farmers on the ground to understand the location of water and track movement. Official daily monitoring and information about the location and predicted movement of the floodwaters from an official source would have added great value to give warning to residents and businesses.

“Increased flood monitors downstream from Laanecoorie would assist in the provision of early warnings to downstream landowners.”

LODDON Shire wants better induction programs for new CFA brigade captains working in a flood emergency.

“Locally, there is no capacity in the SES to co-ordinate the response and therefore local response leadership was transferred to the CFA under their joint arrangements,” it says.

“As a whole the local CFAs provided exemplary leadership during this event and in some cases to the detriment of their own personal impact and property damage.

“In some cases local CFA captains were not aware of the arrangements between the CFA and SES and were therefore unaware of their authority to act in consultation with the incident control centre.

“In some instances this lack of knowledge caused delays in them taking action and conflict with council.

“Council is in strong support of the arrangement between the CFA and SES whereby the CFA provides local response where the SES has no capacity and the SES provides co-ordination support from the Incident Control Centre.

“Council often found itself in the position of providing response type services without approval as the Incident Control Centre and management team became uncontactable.”

Conflict resolution: chain of command training needed

Tackling rising waters in Bridgewater last October. LH PHOTO

Hub hopes spur makeover bid Shire

CREATION of a new sports and entertainment hub will headline community conversations in Inglewood gathering ideas for the future of the town’s recreation reserve.

Committee of management president Andrew Nevins said conversations would centre around future uses of the reserve to make it “a centrepiece for the town”.

Mr Nevins said the reserve’s existing building was more than 50 years old and a planned feasibility study would look at projected use over the next decade.

“We need to talk to youngsters as well ... it will be their generation who will benefit the most,” Mr Nevins said.

“We already have the football and netball clubs using the reserve, the tennis clubs and Inglewood and Districts Health Services for their fitness programs.

“Who will be here in the future? A cricket club again? Perhaps it’s an outdoor entertainment venue showing movies.

“And we can certainly consider the growth the town can expect over the next 20 or 30 years.”

Mr Nevins said he had been on the reserve committee for the last decade.

He took over from Alan Last who has been part of the volunteer management team even longer.

Both hope the proposed feasibility study on development of the reserve will prompt a new breed of visionaries to take leadership of the committee at next month’s annual meeting.

Volunteer grants

Mr Last said the committee had basically just been maintaining the existing building and facilities.

“We can keep throwing money at an old building, playing catch up with maintenance or the community can look to move forward,” he said.

The Volunteer Grants program is an initiative of the Federal Government, continuing its commitment to assist volunteers and encourage volunteering.

Volunteer Grants support the work of local community organisations by enabling the inclusion of vulnerable people and providing supports to increase participation in volunteering.

Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available to eligible not-for-pro t community organisations to support the e orts of Australia’s volunteers.

If you or your organisation’s sta are at least 40% volunteers and you are in the electorate of Mallee, complete the Expression of Interest form by Thursday 7th September 2023.

An Expression of Interest form and further information about the grant and eligibility are available from the Government’s GrantConnect website https://www.grants.gov.au/Fo/ Show?FoUuid=7b57b89b-ac76-4fc9-ac360cfa6523f0c3

wants safe streets cash share

LODDON Mayor Dan Straub wants details on when the shire will be added to a new $210 million State Government safe local roads and streets program.

The Government last week announced Greater Bendigo, Brimbank, Central Goldfields, Monash, Casey, Yarra, Moira, Baw Baw, Murrindindi and Surf Coast councils as the first to be part of the program.

“All Victorian local governments will be progressively introduced to the program from late-2023,” the Government said.

The $210 million package will design and deliver safety upgrades for communities including raised crossings, intersection upgrades, speed cushions, kerbing upgrades, pedestrian islands, safer speeds, roundabouts and other vital safety improvements.

Loddon Shire representative on the committee, Wendy Murphy, said a strategic assessment of the precinct would be used for development of a master plan.

“We will be looking at the next 10 years but also a vision for a longer-term plan too,” she said.

Cr Murphy said that could in-

clude multi-use courts at the reserve.

A report on community conversations was expected to be completed by January.

Mr Nevins said: “We want to gather the community’s ideas. It’s those ideas that can create a great hub into the future.”

Cr Straub said: “We will be seeking details and encouraging similar investment in our streets and roads. We don’t want to be left out.”

According to the Government, local government owns and operates 87 per cent of Victoria’s road network and around 33 per cent of road trauma happens on local council-managed roads.

Small business bus coming to town

Whether you’re starting, building or transforming your business, the Victorian Government’s Small Business Bus can help you to develop your business ideas and capabilities. Business advisors from Monarch Institute are o ering free 30-minute one-on-one tailored sessions.

Date: Monday 28 August 2023

Time: 10am to 4pm

Location: Near Bill’s Horse Trough, 57 Brook Street (Calder Highway), Inglewood Walk-ups are welcome

Your business adviser can help you to identify a clear direction for your business, discuss key issues and priorities, and develop a business action plan to achieve your goals. To register for the mentoring session visit visit calendly.com/businessvicsbb1 and click on the link for Inglewood sessions.

Community planning projects

The newly completed barbecue shelter at Newbridge Progress Park is now ready for public use. This project was identi ed by the Newbridge Arnold Llanelly Community Planning Committee Inc. in its Community Plan and funded through the Loddon Shire Council Community Planning Funding Program.

Contractors have commenced the Pyramid Hill barbecue shelter in Lions Park East. This project was identi ed as part of the community planning process with funds also allocated through Loddon Shire Council’s Community Planning funding program.

T: 5494 1200

F: 5494 3003

E: loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au

Monday to Friday 8.15am to 4.45pm

Recreation reserve groundkeeper Gordon McNaughton with Alan Last and Andrew Nevins. LH PHOTO

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Active Farmers in running for top award

BRIDGEWATER’S Active Farmers has been named as a nominee for this year’s Victorian Community Achievement Awards.

The group has been listed for the connecting communities award that will be judged in October. Active Farmers holds the annual Run for Resilience attracting hundreds of participants to promote healthy communities and wellbeing.

Volunteers farewell ‘a top bloke’

THE SERVICE of former Country Fire Authority assistant chief officer Peter Taylor was celebrated at Kingower cricket ground on Sunday.

Members of brigades from across the Loddon gathered with Peter’s widow Cath for the memorial service that was also attended by former CFA chief officer Euan Ferguson.

Peter died earlier this year after retiring to the Sunshine Coast.

Friend and former colleague Mark Gilmore said it had been Peter’s wish to have a memorial service in a bushland setting.

“Kingower cricket ground was a perfect backdrop for family, friends and colleagues to farewell him,” Mark said before the ser-

vice. Peter had transferred from forest fire management to the CFA and held appointments in District 2 and District 20 where

he became assistant chief officer. Mark, who worked with Peter in their professional careers, said Peter was well-respected and a

top bloke. “We worked together with training courses and in operations.

“One operation for Peter was the Linton bushfire in 1998 that saw five firefighters lose their lives.

“That changed a lot of things about firefighting and it was Peter who introduced the Every 1 Comes Home push to highlight safety of volunteers,” he said.

“To this day, stickers with this message are still on CFA equipment.”

Mr Ferguson spoke of Peter’s service and commitment during Sunday’s service.

Peter’s daughter Kaitlyn thanked volunteers for their tributes.

Community Achievement Awards started in 2002 to encourage, acknowledge and reward the valuable contributions that individuals, communities and businesses make throughout Victoria.

Bridgewater’s award nomination says the group is a “friendly bunch who welcome everybody to join in their weekly fitness sessions”.

Frogs are Rosie

ROSIE Isaac’s love of frogs was the inspiration behind her successful work entered in the CWA state exhibition. Rosie’s first place art was featured in last week’s Loddon Herald but we unfortunately had Rosie’s name wrong. Our apologies to Rosie and well done on your prize.

Popular little trains run out of puff

MINIATURE steam trains that have run at Eddington for more than 60 years have come to the end of their line.

A meeting of Loddon Miniature Stream Locomotive Society on Sunday decided to end public events.

While the society did not respond to inquiries from the Loddon Herald, a statement on its online page said: “We have made the difficult decision that we will no longer be running to public, due to circumstances that are beyond our control. Please know this decision has not been made lightly. We appreciate everyone who has been to our club over the years.”

The miniature railway was established from the early 1960s and trains ran monthly between April and October until COVID lockdowns three years ago.

The club cancelled its public running days in 2020 and again in 2021 and 2022.

Members had reported completion of track improvements earlier this year.

Inglewood’s miniature railway track at the Eucalyptus Museum was established in 2017 but has not run in recent years. A small group of volunteers had done some preparation work this year to bring life back to the track.

Cath Taylor and Euan Ferguson at Sunday’s memorial service. LH PHOTOS

Volunteer firefighters from across the Loddon at Kingower on Sunday in tribute to Peter Taylor (inset). LH PHOTO

Electric buzz has Geoff scooting around town

GEOFF Rooney has ridden motorcycles as a teenager and ventured around in a classic Kombi van.

He’s even ventured down the Avoca River at Charlton enjoying the silent whir of an electric motor attached to his tinnie.

And after a holiday in Byron Bay, Geoff has returned to his Inglewood home with the latest in electric travel - an emotorcycle with a front end styled the Harley Davidson way and steering bars fashioned like that other iconic two-wheeled transport icon, the Indian.

“I had a motorcycle until my mid-20s and then picked up on it again about 15 years ago,” Geoff said.

“The electric version is ideal for scooting around town - top speed 25kmh and with a range of between 30 and 50km.

“It was designed in Byron Bay, comes with a Japanese engine and the full-on leather springer seat is really comfortable. The fat ring tyes make for a smooth ride too and it’s got five levels of toque and nine gears.”

Geoff first stopped in Inglewood when his Kombi broke down and ended up singing the Ray Charles’ version of Georgia at a hotel karaoke night.

He says he ended up buying land in town and later retired

to the Inglewood after decades working in the poultry industry around Charlton.

When not holidaying on the beach or talking about his new motoring acquisition, Geoff is part of a two-piece band Brotherhood of May-tone with Peter Nelson, playing acoustic guitar and on vocals.

“I know the words ... not like the karaoke night when I made up the words for the verses,” he said.

Geoff said emotorcycles were

Gordon

popular around Byron Bay where parking was at a premium.

“With an ebike, you can park anywhere for free. They’re popular and everywhere,” he said.

“Now I’m back home, I can charge it in the van while driving along or at home, hooked up to the solar panels.

“And there’s no petrol to worry about and no rego.”

Geoff’s motoring investment is well timed. The price of petrol has nudged back above $2 for the first time in more than a year.

‘Local’ MPs are appointed to Commonwealth Games probe

FOUR members of Parliament who represent Loddon communities have been appointed to a Legislative Council select committee inquiring into the aborted 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Western Victoria Region MPs Joe McCracken, Sarah Mansfield and Jacinta Ermacora along with Northern Victoria Region member Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell are on the nine-member committee.

Of the five, only Ms Mansfield has visited the Loddon Shire since being elected last November.

Mr McCracken said: ““Ultimately, the community just want to know the truth — that’s all we want to hear.

“Months ago in the state budget, the cost of the Commonwealth Games was $2.6 billion. When (Premier) Daniel Andrews cancelled the games weeks ago, the cost had blown out to over $7bn. How could that possibly happen?” Mr McCracken said.

“The cost of cancelling the games is unknown. I’m very interested to see what the cost to Victorians actually is,” Mr McCracken said.

WEDDERBURN College Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh students canoed the Serpentine Creek at Durham Ox on Monday while exploring the region’s culture. Students had earlier visited Yung Balug Keeping Place at Boort learning about John Hunter Kerr photographic documentation of 19th century Aboriginals in the area and tasted wattle seed pikelets.

This event is something you do not want to miss. Since Ash Wednesday, Dr Rob Gordon has been working extensively in the field of disaster recovery. He has worked with people and communities after floods, cyclones, fires and other events throughout Australia, providing support and insight into the different ways we may find ourselves thinking and feeling as we navigate recovery now and in the future.

START

13

SEPTEMBER, 2023

DINGEE HOTEL

2-4 MACK ST

DINGEE VIC 3571

Geoff Rooney and his new emotorcycle. LH PHOTO

By CHRIS EARL

FUTURE food security and fire protection would be at risk from a renewable energy transmission line through Loddon farmland, protesters said from the steps of State Parliament on Tuesday.

More than 300 farmers took their voices to Melbourne for the lunchtime rally against the VNI West and Western Renewables Link projects.

Farmers said their anger was driven by the State Government not listening and rejecting calls for the agricultural sector to receive a fair go.

Organiser Glenden Watts told protesters, many arriving in Melbourne on Monday night from Loddon communities, that both Premier Daniel Andrews and Energy Minister Lily d’Ambrosio had refused invitations to speak at the rally.

He led the rising voice of rural Victoria in chanting their names and then an extended version: “Dan, Dan, he’s our man. If he can’t fix it, no one can.”

Mr Watts had earlier spoken at a media conference with federal Nationals leader David Littleproud before the starter’s flag was waved on a convoy of more than 50 tractors plus trucks, including one from Nelson Farms in Boort, that circled Parliament House for more than an hour.

Mr Littleproud said Labor’s race to achieve 82 per cent renewables by 2030 was reckless and

would have huge consequences on the agriculture sector.

He said he previously asked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for a National Energy Summit, to put all options on the table, but the best the Government could do was a small inquiry into how to consult better.

“The Nationals have also been attempting to get a Senate Inquiry into renewables and transmission lines but crossbench senators have been blocking it,” Mr Littleproud said.

“We are not against renewables, but Labor is threatening to take away the tools our farmers need to provide Australians with fresh, healthy and affordable food.

“Farmers are becoming increasingly anxious about the situation – which is why they have come to Parliament House to plead with the State Labor Government.”

Mr Watts said the Australian Energy Market Operator was not

welcome along the route that would run from Bulgana, near Stawell, between Charlton and Wedderburn and through Boort to Kerang.

“The gates will be shut. They are not welcome,” he said.

Mr Watts and Victorian Nationals MPs used the rally to back a Plan B released earlier this month by the Victorian Energy Policy Centre that co-author Professor Bruce Mountain said would save $5 billion by upgrading existing transmission lines and easements without the need for projects like VNI West.

Victorian Farmers’ Federation president Emma Germano said the State Government had got its renewable energy transition policy wrong.

But she said it was not too late to stop and “get it right”.

“We will help you get the plan right,” she said. “Farmers here are ready to help.”

As volunteer firefighters flung their yellow overalls onto the steps of Parliament House concerned that fire risk will increase with new transmission lines and access to fight fires hampered, Western Victoria Region MP Joe McCracken said: “The Government needs to hear your voices.”

Mr McCracken said he had come out of Parliament after asking questions of Ms d’Ambrosio on the transmission line projects, only to be told it was “someone else’s department”. He also questioned the absence of Ripon MP Martha Haylett from the protest that saw Coalition members join farmers and landowners.

“These guys don’t care ... Labor doesn’t care. They made a political calculation ... your votes don’t matter,” he said. “Anger is burning in the bush.”

Mr Littleproud said the federal Nationals would try every Tuesday to have the Senate com-

mence an an inquiry on renewable energy transmission. “It will be transmission Tuesday in the Senate.”

Protest speakers warned of increased food prices if projects including VNI West proceeded, compromising livelihoods of farmers and the biosecurity and productivity of their land,

Mr Watts said Tuesday’s protest was about farmers making a stand for a fair go.

He said it was time for the Government to take a step back and look at options other than VNI West.

“These transmission towers and lines would carve a destructive 100-metre wide easement through highly productive farms in Victoria’s food bowls,” he said.

Mr Littleproud told a media conference that Tuesday’s rally was the start of a national movement and again called for a national conversation as he criticised the haste of the Federal and Victorian Governments in rolling out renewable energy transition policies.

Farmers said anger had made them drive long distances to Melbourne for the rally. Many of the tractors that travelled in convey came from the St Arnaud and Ballan districts, their journey into Melbourne followed by a police helicopter hovering overhead.

Mr Watts said opposition to VNI West was about protecting future generations of farmers. Government had to listen, he said.

HEAR THE VOICE - FARMERS PROTEST ON SPRING STREET Rising tide of rural anger Melbourne people have heart in right place ... but

THE messages were blunt, the voices loud at Tuesday’s Stop the Towers protest.

There was farmer anger from across the Loddon, brewing since Australian Energy Market Operator switched preferred routes early this year to put prime local agricultural land under the path of 80-metre high towers.

Mysia’s Sue Gould used her placard to tell AEMO and the State Government that their compensation offers failed to convince local people: “We will not be Boort,” her sign said.

A union of frustration was formed with farmers south of the Great Dividing Range who have been battling Ausnet’s Western Renewables Link project.

The alliance has quickly morphed since February when Loddon farmers learnt of the route change from the Loddon Herald and the first group gathered at Woosang fire station in bewilderment and concern for the future,

That was the start of trying to have local voices heard by deci-

sion makers in Melbourne and Canberra.

Tuesday’s protest had its roots in silence and non-engagement with local communities by the State Government and what Loddon groups, including the shire council, has labelled unsatisfactory consultation processes by AEMO.

Protest organiser Glenden Watts

St Patrick’s Cathedral for the front of Parliament House to cheers from protesters making their voices heard in the state capital. Wedderburn’s Susie Lockhart was at the front of the crowd, walking the footpath with her protest sign.

Alex and Tony Holt held up one of the No Go AEMO banners that have become a common site across the Loddon Shire. Karen and Chris Holt were just metres away with another placard making clear their anger at how the VNI West project is being rolled out in Loddon communities.

said of the rally: “We will be seen. We will be heard.”

During a media conference, he was asked whether there was respect and understanding among people in Melbourne for rural communities.

“They’re hearts are in the right place ... ,” came the diplomatic response.

Within minutes the convoy of tractors chugged off from besides

The Holts were among a large group of Loddon farmers who had travelled by train early in the morning from Bendigo to take their places on the steps of Parliament House.

So, too, did Wedderburn’s Peter McHugh - CFA volunteer overalls rolled up under his arm ready for the symbolic warning hours later that firefighters remain unconvinced that VNI West will not increase the risk of fire across the region.

LAKE

John, who was part of a Melbourne blockade in 1991 against plans to raise water rates by 65 per cent, said the VNI West plan “is out of kilter with rural Victoria who won’t benefit.” He said: “If we’re going renewable, don’t cart the energy half-way

Glenden Watts, VFF president Emma Germano and Nationals’ leader David Littleproud speak at Tuesday’s rally. LH PHOTOS

Wedderburn farmers Susie and Tim Lockhart send their message to the State Government from the steps of Parliament House. LH PHOTO

Boort’s Kate and Tyler Nelson (left) and Mysia’s Sue Gould make their messages heard in Melbourne. LH PHOTO

Peter McHugh, of Wedderburn, was among volunteer firefighters who left their yellow overalls on the steps of Parliament House to raise concern about greater fire risk around VNI West towers. LH PHOTO

Meran’s Colin Fenton (left) was up at 3am Tuesday morning to catch the train from Bendigo with John Pearce and Fernihurst’s Ken Pattison.

across the country.”

SHEEP

THERE was a similar sized yarding at Bendigo on Monday of 9580 lambs, although there was more new season young lambs which accounted for about 1100 head.

Demand from the buying group remained dull with not all fully active across the sale. The auction showed a cheaper trend, noting Bendigo was coming off a reasonably strong industry result the previous Monday.

Prices for new season lambs dropped $12 to $15 this sale. Old season lambs varied from $5 to $15 cheaper in another very mixed quality line-up.

Angus selected in top team

TANDARRA dairy farmer Angus Fraser will be in Australia’s five-member team at the Young Breeders School in Belgium this month.

Angus, who works for Tandara Brown Swiss’s Ben Govett, was selected by Holstein Australia and Jersey Australia for the school and an industry tour into the Netherlands.

The five-day event, run by the Association Wallonne de l’Elevage, involves hands-on workshops including bedding, showmanship and clipping, as well as classroom-based sessions

such as marketing and herd promotion.

Earlier this year Angus led three-year-old Tandara Carter Ann Arbor 48 to the intermediate Brown Swiss championship at International Dairy Week before the animal went on to be named the grand champion.

He is part-owner with Ben, receiving a share of ownership in recognition for his work on the property.

Angus owns about 20 cows in the Tandarra herd - a mix of different breeds, including Holsteins and Jerseys.

He has been working with Ben for the past two years, having moved from Queensland to experience Victorian dairy farms. After completing the Young Breeders School, Angus will spend three months working on a Canadian dairy farm and assisting with preparation of its show stock before returning to Tandarra.

“Selection in the Young Breeder School is a great opportunity for Angus to learn more skills and bring them back and contribute to our program at Tandarra,” said Ben.

Heavy new season lambs around 24-28kg cwt sold from $130 to a top of $140/head at an estimated 530c to 550c/kg cwt, with the lead pens showing plenty of freshness and weight.

Underneath this was some medium and light trade types at $87 to $122/head. There was no young store lambs for restockers in the line-up.

Heavy export old lambs from $135 to a top of $155; heavy crossbreds 26-30kg cwt from $123 to $139, and heavy trades $113 to $128/head.

These good processing lambs were trending between 450c to 480c/kg cwt. Once onto the general run of lambs the market showed a lot of variance based on quality and presentation, with any lambs in long and seedy skins continuing to be harshly

treated by buyers. There was a lot of wintery trade and light lambs from $50 to $115 or 320c to 420c/kg cwt. Small Merino lambs down to $21.

The sheep sale fluctuated with most mutton still holding between 200c to 250c/kg cwt, although some extra heavy ewes and very light sheep sold for less than 180c. Big crossbred ewes $61 to $90, heavy Merino ewes $72 to $94; general run of sheep mostly $30 to $65. There was sales below $10/head including for rams.

SUCKERS

Everdale Holdings Calivil (61) $140.G & L Broad Durham Ox (28) $138.WW & RG Farming Macorna (103) $136.P & B Meighan Mitiamo (110) $130.D & R Hannigan Barrakee (32) $105.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

Lemac Farms Kooloonong (136) $155.A & C Branson Colbinabbin (32) $150.B & S Griffiths Malmsbury (33) $150.Cummins Past, Kerang (66) $148.M Palmer Echuca (18) $146. S & N Snelson Tongala (123) $145.G & C McKinnon Pyramid Hill (33) $144.J,S & W Brown Colbinabbin (32) $141. Mirnee Partnership Hunter (118) $139. E & J Mead Wycheproof (60) $135. A & C Branson Colbinabbin (32) $134. Hansford Livestock Campbells Forest (68) $132.RK Payne King Island (90) $126. E & B Cox Rochester (71) $124.B & F Moon Pyramid Hill (60) $123.

MERINO WETHERS

L Soulsby Rheola (58) $85.

CROSSBRED EWES

R Weeks Colbinabbin (47) $90.G & L Broad Durham Ox (15) $72.B & E Kelly Kilmore (32) $72.

MERINO EWES

Gulthal Euston (138) $90.Whinfield Farms Macorna (80) $90. Ettrick Farms Serpentine (115) $90.A & R Hiscock Ivanhoe (15) $82.

Angus Fraser (left) with team members Kyella McKenna, Rebekah Love, leader Kelly Bleijendaal, Jess Eagles and Kieran Coburn.

Firm start to sale season

WENTWORTH brothers Warren and Stuart Duncan paid the top price of $8000 at Friday’s season-opening Loddon ram sale season auction at Terrick West Stud.

They faced strong bidding to secure the first of 84 lots to go under the auctioneer’s hammer.

The 19.2 micron ram had been sired in South Australia by the ram Moorundie M61.

Warren Duncan said they had wanted to include that bloodline for breeding in their 4000-ewe Dunedin Park stud.

“We saw this ram at the Victorian Merino Field Day in Marnoo last month - we had been looking at others but this ram stood out for its structure, brilliant back-end and good wool and a broad back,” he said.

“We’re focusing on spending on rams and this purchase will be joined to a few select ewes in our flock of about 4000 breeding ewes.”

It was the first purchase by the Duncans of a Terrick West ram in 15 years.

Friday’s top priced ram had a standard deviation of 2.9, co-efficient of variation of 15, and comfort factor of 99.5 per cent.

The sale’s average was $3112 on a clearance of 78 of 84 rams.

While down on last year’s record average of $3703 - the top price in 2022 was $6500 - Terrick West co-principal Ross McGauchie said: “Last year was phenomenal and after a difficult period last year (floods), we were very happy with the rams that were offered today.”

“We’re very pleased that a lot of people agree with us and spent good, serious money on good rams,” he said.

Top buyer at the sale was Murray Miller who purchased nine rams at the stud’s 34th annual sale.

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Alan Metelmann

Regular buyers make purchases

ARNOLD farmer Alan Metelmann was back at the Terrick West sale on Friday.

Alan has been purchasing Terrick West rams for more than a decade to boost the performance of his sheep.

He said the Terrick West bloodline produced easy-tohandle sheep that were easy to shear.

Pompapiel Pastoral’s Dave Cullen this year purchased four rams while the Carless brothers of Moliagul, regular buyers for more than 30 years, were successful bidders on three rams this year.

Rams were also sold to South Australian buyers with strong bidding on most of the 84 lots offered, Terrick West stud will also have lots in the major Adelaide ram auction next month.

Warren and Stuart Duncan with Terrick West stud’s co-principals Ross and Claire McGauchie after paying top price at Friday’s sale for the 19.2 micron ram. LH PHOTO

FEATURES

By JACINTA ALLAN

THE Andrews Labor Government is helping more Victorian households take advantage of renewable energy by slashing thousands of dollars off the upfront cost of solar batteries, which will bring down energy bills and help Victoria reach net zero emissions by 2045.

Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, announced last month a new $8800 interest free battery loan, which will enable households to maximise output from their solar panels and save thousands of dollars on your energy bills over the lifetime of the battery.

The loans are repayable over four years, and in some cases will reduce upfront installation costs to zero. Solar Homes customers with both solar and a battery save around $1500 on their energy bills each year, with an average return on the investment period of seven to 10 years.

The battery loan is part of the Government’s $1.3 billion Solar Homes Program, and will be available to new customers as well as the more than 226,000 Victorian homeowners who have already claimed a rebate to install solar panels.

The battery will allow homeowners who have already installed solar to maximise the use of the renewable energy they generate, more than doubling the amount of self-generated energy consumed, increasing household self-consumption from 28 per cent to about 60 per cent, on average.

For new customers the loan will be available in

YOUR ONLINE WORDS

Reaction to Loddon Shire’s push for consistency in footpath display permit compliance

Newbridge Hotel wrote: Seems like there’s been a missing con-

addition to the $1400 rebate and $1400 interestfree loan for solar PV if a solar and battery system are installed at the same time, saving eligible houses $11,600 on upfront installation costs.

The Solar Homes program has cut Victoria’s carbon emissions by 1.7 million tonnes helping us move towards electrification and meet our emissions reduction target of 75-80 per cent by 2035, and net zero emissions by 2045.

As a Victorian householder, you could be eligible for a solar battery loan. For more information, including loan eligibility criteria, go to solar.vic.gov. au.

Interest-free battery loans will allow more people to take advantage of cheaper renewable energy by significantly reducing upfront costs of installing battery storage.

To achieve our nation-leading renewable energy target by 2035, it is vital households transition to running on cheap, reliable, renewable energy.

In my last editorial I wrote about the new round of the $250 power saving bonus, which opened on March 24. Just a reminder that this round is due to close soon on August 31. If you haven’t already applied for your bonus in this round visit the State Government’s Victorian Energy Compare website, at www.compare.energy.vic.gov.au to make your application.

*JacintaAllanisthememberforBendigoEast

nection between traders and council.

Kerry Kerry wrote: I think the shire should worry more about maintaining the actual footpaths! Pretty sure that should be covered by rates?

Karren Chuter wrote: We always had to pay in Melbourne. Was surprised when mine was done free in Pyramid Hill.

From the Loddon Herald facebook page

The Railway Hotel BOORT

If

1. Who was the first Prime Minister of Australia?

2. How many Harry Potter books did to J.K. Rowling write?

3. Which famous author wrote Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?

4. And who was the first actor to portray Willy Wonka on screen?

5. What is the boiling temperature of water in degrees Celsius?

6. What was the first national park to be declared in Australia?

7. Durian is what type of foodstuff?

8. Who wrote the soundtracks for all nine main-story Star Wars movies?

9. Wade Wilson is the alter ego of which Marvel Comics superhero?

10. Which king of England was known as Rufus?

11. The Corriedale is a breed of which farm animal?

12. Pilchard is the name of which cartoon character’s cat?

13. Carmine is a shade of which colour?

14. The first ever match of test cricket was played in which city in 1877?

15. What is the Sunday immediately prior to Easter Sunday called?

16. The Greek Flag has a white cross with what colour background?

17. What do you call the metal frame of a dartboard?

18. India is the largest producer in the world of which fruit?

19. Cynophobia is the fear of what?

20. Which cereal grain is used to make Pumpernickel bread?

ANSWERS

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.

If you need advice or assistance with anything related to government, or in your general day-to-day life, please contact my of ce on the details below and we will do our best to help you.

For the latest Coronavirus information go to peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on

1. Sir Edmund Barton

2. Seven

3. Roald Dahl

4. Gene Wilder 5. 100

6.

Royal National Park 7. Fruit

8. John Williams

9. Deadpool

10. King William II

11. Sheep

12. Bob the Builder 13. Red

14. Melbourne

15. Palm Sunday 16.

Blue 17. Spider 18. Bananas

19. Dogs

20. Rye.

If you need advice or assistance with anything related to government, or in your general day-to-day life, please contact my of ce on the details below and we will do our best to help you.

Experiences in culture FOOTY, FAUNA AND FARMS GIVE STUDENTS

SOUTH Sulawese is known for growing corn, sweet potatoes, green beans, peanuts, and soybeans.

The Indonesian province is surrounded by seas where tuna and snapper are fished while on land nickel, gold, magnesium, iron, granite, lead, and stone products are mined.

And it’s where students from Celebes Global School, in the southern region of the province, left earlier this month for a fortnight of cultural interaction with families and students from Pyramid Hill College and St Patrick’s Primary School. For the school, it was fulfilling an experience cut short last October when the flood emergency interrupted a visit to Pyramid Hill and students were taken to Bendigo as the region’s roads were blocked and schools closed.

Their gratitude are being able to return was shown during a final assembly at Pyramid Hill College last Friday.

a fauna park at Kyabram, spending time in Bendigo and picking up the skills of Australian Rules football, the nine students from Celebes Global School entertained with traditional music and dance of Indonesia.

Teachers and students also spoke of their experiences during the fortnight in a country very different to their homeland.

Teacher Riri Syarifuddi said Australia was a popular country for overseas study with Indonesian students.

“And why Pyramid Hill? Because Pyramid is one of the schools teaching Indonesian language,” said Riri.

“We are always looking for a quiet place for our students to study not in the city so they can really know about culture and the people who are living there.

“And of course I have new experience living here. I can feel living in the farm. I know how the people live here.”

School were equally taken with the welcome and opportunities for discovery during their two weeks in Pyramid Hill.

“Pyramid Hill is such a really good town for us to learn about the Australian culture and develop our English skills,” one said.

“Our school’s main program needs us to learn about the culture across the country and we need to develop our English skills. So this town really helps us to learn!”

Lulu said spending a fortnight in Pyramid Hill had been nice.

“It’s such a lovely experience to live here. Never thought that I would be feel at home here,” said Lulu.

“All the people are kind and friendly Never thought that I would be feel at home here! Two weeks is not enough for me, i need more longer time to stay here.”

Teacher Makmum Ashari said the partnership between Celebes Global School and Pyramid Hill College had meant meaningful relationships between the

two schools could be formed during the visits. “Pyramid Hill is very important for this trip because there is Pyramid Hill College which has been the best partner for our school,” said Makmum.

“Intercultural learning at Pyramid Hill college is very good because students experience first hand in a comfortable and fun learning environment.

“Students can exchange experiences and develop their respective languages they learn.

“Celebes Global School students can develop English and Pyramid Hill College students can develop Indonesian.

“Pyramid Hill provides meaningful experiences for students and teachers from Indonesia.

“We can learn a lot at Pyramid Hill such as teaching and learning culture, timely culture, and future-oriented curriculum.

“As a teacher, I really like living in Pyramid Hill because all the people there are very kind and welcoming.”

Experiencing Australian culture at Pyramid Hill

Indonesian cuisine shared wioth Pyramid Hill students (left) and a fauna park visit.

DEASON, Arthur

The Chairman, Board, Management, members of CFA North West Region and District 20 regret the passing of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.

ISAAC, Keith

The Chairman, Board, Management, members of CFA North West Region and District 20 regret the passing of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family. F une RA l notice

A Funeral Service for Mrs Nola Jean Newstead will be held at the Tyndale Uniting Church, Pyramid Hill on Tuesday 22nd August commencing at 11.00 AM.

Followed by burial at the Pyramid Hill Cemetery.

To view service via livestream go to: www.adamsfunerals.com.au

2024 Australia Day Awards

Loddon Shire Council 2024 Australia

Day Awards nominations are now open. These awards acknowledge outstanding individuals and community groups within the Loddon Shire in the following categories:

 Citizen of the Year

 Young Citizen of the Year

 Community Group/Event of the Year

Council is also now receiving Community Service Award nominations for each of the ve Council wards.

Nomination forms for each category, including important information regarding award eligibility and criteria, and the selection process are available on Council’s website, www.loddon.vic.gov.au.

Alternatively, email a request for further information to australiaday@loddon.vic.gov.au.

Nominations for all awards close on Friday 20 October 2023.

Diploma (AQF Level 5) Consul�ng Arborist  Tree Assessments – Health, Condi�on and Risk etc.

 Arborist Reports – Management Plans, Development etc.

 Tree Inventories – GIS Mapping, Data Collec�on etc. Contact Heath Bambrough h.bambrough@outlook.com 0431 245 131

You are

The Kooyoora Women's Network Dinner

When- Wednesday 13th September 6:00 pm - 6:15 pm arrival

Kimberly will be speaking at 6:30 pm

Where- The Bridgewater Hotel

Our guest speaker is Kimberly Van Bergen from Ambulance Victoria delivering ‘Call, push, shock ’ a demonstration on how to use a difibulator.

Careers at Loddon

Loddon Shire Council is seeking applications for the following positions from highly motivated, enthusiastic, energetic and outcome focused individuals who want to make a di erence and help shape our future.

Rural Councils Corporate Collaboration

(RCCC) Project - IT Business Analyst

 Full-time, xed term position

 Can be based in Wedderburn, Horsham or Nhill

 Band 7 - $105,770 per annum plus employer superannuation

Applications for the position above will close on Monday 21 August 2023 at 9am..

Visitor Information Centre

Administration O cer - ref.J/228

 Part-time, permanent position

PYRAMID HILL

ROAD TRIP

 Based at the Loddon Information Centre

 Band 3 (Special Engagement)

Applications for the position above will close on Monday 28 August 2023 at 5pm.

Customer Service O cer - ref.J/229

 Full-time, permanent position

 Based at our Wedderburn O ce Band 4 - $64,566.32 per annum plus employer superannuation

Applications for the position above will close on Monday 21 August 2023 at 5pm. For further information, including a detailed position description and details on how to apply, please visit Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Organisation Development Unit on (03) 5494 1200.

LINEWORKER APPRENTICESHIP

BASED OUT OF OUR CHARLTON DEPOT Central Power P/L is a family-owned business (approx. 40 employees) managing the powerlines in regional Victoria for the last 23 years. Our main office is based in Maryborough but we have depots in Ararat and Charlton. We are looking to put on an apprentice for 2023 to become a Distribution Lineworker.

Suitable candidates must;

z Be in good physical health

z Be disciplined and self-motivated

z Enjoy physical hands-on and outdoor work

z Have driving licence (minimum car)

z Not be afraid of heights!

Apply via Cover Letter and CV via email mro@ centralpowervic.com.au

LODDON HERALD BUSINESS, TRADES & SERVICES

Wool buyer

NORTH CENTRAL HOCKEY

Boort 0.

Under 15: Charlton lost to Wycheproof Narraport 1-2, Sea Lake Nandaly d Donald 6-0, St Arnaud drew Boort 1-1. Ladder: St Arnaud 87, Sea Lake Nandaly 79, Birchip Watchem 77, Boort 55, Charlton 36, Donald 36, Wycheproof Narraport 14, Wedderburn 8.

Women: Charlton d Wycheproof Narraport 4-0, Sea Lake Nandaly d Donald 5-0, St Arnaud drew Boort 1-1. Ladder: Charlton 95, Wycheproof Narraport 81, Birchip Watchem 62, St Arnaud 54, Boort 38, Sea Lake Nandaly 33, Wedderburn 23, Donald 0.

Men: Charlton lost to Wycheproof Narraport 0-9, Sea Lake Nandaly lost to Donald 0-2, St Arnaud d Boort 2-1. Ladder: Wycheproof Narraport 86, St Arnaud 85, Boort 75, Donald 40, Sea Lake Nandaly 22, Charlton 21, Birchip Watchem 3.

ANGLICAN PARISH OF INGLEWOOD presents AusChem(Vic), AgVet,

FARM CHEMICAL USERS’ COURSE NEWBRIDGE HALL

Monday 11th, Tuesday 12th September, 2023 8.30am to 4.00pm

Morning tea, Lunch and Afternoon tea provided by the Inglewood Anglican Ladies’ Guild at $15 per day

This course covers the necessary training required to obtain an Agricultural Chemical User Permit *Cost $50.00 (to cover cost of AusChem manual)

Enrolments limited to 18 places

This course is subsidised under Victorian ‘Free TAFE’ funding of Agricultural Chemicals ‘skills sets’, for approved applicants.

Enrolments close on Friday 1st Steptember,

Karl Liffman. Mob: 0428 507 610 karlliffman@gmail.com

2023.

Under 12: Charlton lost to Wycheproof-Narraport 0-1, Sea Lake Nandaly lost to Donald 0-1, St Arnaud d Boort 4-0. Ladder: St Arnaud 95, Wycheproof Narraport 76, Birchip Watchem 64, Charlton 59, Donald 44, Sea Lake Nandaly 31, Wedderburn 15,

Good fields contest club tournament

PLAYERS from across the region competed in Pyramid Hill Golf Club’s annual tournament over three days last week.

There were 19 three-player teams for the annual Jan Burke Memorial ambrose on Sunday.

Winners of the stroke event were Sue Amos, Steve Amos and Ben Haines.

Handicap honours were taken out by Luke Roberts, Maree Ring and Jason Deller.

Saturday’s stroke event saw a large field of 47 golfers.

The winner of the W&H Schmidt trophy (27 holes men scratch) was Michael Morris.

Winner of the Soufflot Cup (27 hole handicap for a local) was Jed Stewart who capped off a good few weeks at Loddon tournaments.

The tournament opened last Friday with the four-ball bestball stableford.

Winners of the Jim Stewart Memorial trophy were Steve Marshall and John Kennedy

TARNAGULLA

THE annual championships were decided at Tarnagulla on Saturday.

Men’s champion for 2023 is Peter Sanderson and the women’s title was won by Faye Newlan.

Longest drive was Peter Sanderson and nearest the pin Shaun Mave.

Winner of the social event was Ron Sanderson.

BOORT

Five players fronted up last Saturday to compete in the stroke event, with the course presented in excellent condition.

Leading the way after a few weeks off was Doug Couper on nett 70, two ahead of Kevin Linehan and eight ahead of Damien Lanyon.

In the nearest the pins, Kevin took out two while Doug and Scott shared the rest.

This week will be a stableford event with the back nine being used twice as the front nine gets rested for the remainder of the year.

Doug Couper 86 16 70, Kevin Linehan 87 15 72, Damian Lanyon 88 10 78, Scott Rollinson 109 29 80, Grant Tooth 106 24 82.

NORTH CENTRAL JUNIORS

GOALS - Nullawil: T. Vearing 8, H. Humphreys 2, A. Teece. Wedderburn: B. Cramp 2.

BEST - Nullawil: T. Vearing, D. Poyner, S. Morrison, J. Harrison, L. Higgins, A. Teece. Wedderburn: B. Cramp, C. Gault, B. Kemp, A. Thomas, J. LavertySmith.

GOALS - Not supplied.

BEST - St Arnaud: J. Batters, F. Green, H. Tannock, A. Reyne, F. Evans, N. Saludes. Boort: C. Gooding, B. McPherson, S. Muller, C. Gould, C. McNally.

Mitchell, T. Vearing, M. Fawcett, W. Gilchrist, L. Cooper, C. Poyner. Wedderburn: R. Whyman

B. Cunningham, T. Lovett.

BEST - Nullawil: J. Box, T. Perry, L. Cooper, B. Kelly,

Vearing. Wedderburn: N. Winslett, M. Punguika, J. Sanderson, B. Treuel.

Ladder: St Arnaud 56, Boort 54, Birchip Watchem 46, Sea Lake Nandaly 34, Wycheproof Narraport 22, Donald 20, Charlton 20, Nullawil 18, Wedderburn 2.

AFL CENTRAL VICTORIA

Ladder: Sea Lake Nandaly 56, Donald 52, Boort 48, Charlton 36, St Arnaud 28, Nullawil 24, Birchip Watchem 20, Wycheproof Narraport 4, Wedderburn

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GOALS - St Arnaud: J. Needs 4, T. Funston 2, G. Gorrie. Boort: B. Wagner 3, A. Cockerell, S. Toose, M. Beattie. BEST - St Arnaud: J. Needs, T. Funston, M. Thomas, B. Greenaway, F. Donald, B. Piper. Boort: L. Hall, B. Wagner, B. Herrington, B. Arnold, J. Potter.

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(6)

(88)

GOALS - East Loddon: M. Hocking, M. Hancock 4, M. Green, L. James, J. Ketterer, J. Rasmussen.

BEST - Bridgewater: S. McMahon, T. Pidoto, R. Smith, S. Hewett-Scull, T. Woodhatch, C. Brown. East Loddon: J. Addlem, T. Rasmussen, N. Ramskill, J. Rasmussen, M. Hocking.

Inglewood

Pyramid Hill

(97)

(54)

GOALS - Inglewood: L. Harris 10, M. Jeffrey 2, B. Coffey, H. Noble, Z. Joyner. Pyramid Hill: H. Goodes 5, L. Stubbs 2, B. Gibson.

BEST - Inglewood: G. Nevins, A. Tresize, J. Wendels, M. Gray, L. Harris, H. Noble. Pyramid Hill: H. Goodes, X. Emmerson, R. Hutton, B. Gibson, T. Fernandez, J. Clough-Fidler.

Elimination final - Bridgewater v Pyramid Hill

Qualifying final - East Loddon v Inglewood

Jack McCaig (left) was among Marong’s best players in Saturday’s victory over Mitiamo. The reigning Loddon Valley premiers have a week off before meeting either Pyramid Hill or Bears Lagoon Serpentine in the second semi-final. LH PHOTO

Mick Purdon, David Mann and Peter Gargan compete in the Pyramid Hill tournament. LH PHOTO

Peter Raven, Shaun Maver, Peter Sanderson and David Shay at Tarnagulla. LH PHOTO

NORTH CENTRAL

One danger game before finals

BOORT faces one more crucial test of the home and away season in A Grade.

While the Pies on Saturday showed the winning form that had given them an undefeated run until a month ago, winning by 19 goals over St Arnaud last Saturday, they face Nullawil this weekend.

The Maroons have previously challenged top sides, including inflicting one of three defeats on Wedderburn.

They were unable to repeat the performance last Saturday when Aliza, Grace and Olivia Lockhart helped steer Wedderburn to 23goal win.

Steph Wilson and Roxy Train were again best for Boort last weekend and will be key to securing a win and keep the Pies on top of the ladder to claim the minor premiership.

A slip and defending champions Wedderburn could take the home and away season prize.

C GRADE

Charlton C Grade 7, 14, 21, 31, (31) lost to Wycheproof Narraport 14, 26, 36, 44, (44).

Nullawil 23, 37, 51, 66, (66) d Wedderburn 14, 24, 34, 42, (42). Sea Lake Nandaly 8, 17, 19, 25, (25) lost to Donald 18, 26, 45, 57, (57). St Arnaud 6, 10, 14, 21, (21) lost to Boort 16, 39, 56, 74, (74).

LODDON VALLEY

Two go through perfectly

CALIVIL under 13s and Marong’s B grade outfit have gone through the Loddon Valley home and away season undefeated.

Both finished with strong wins in last Saturday’s round.

In A Grade, Mitiamo and Pyramid Hill have given themselves a psychological boost ahead of this weekend’s finals.

SPORT

Charlton 8, 16, 30,

(35) lost to Wycheproof Narraport 15, 25,

48, (48). Nullawil 14, 23, 38, 46, (46) lost to

Mitiamo powered home in the second half against Marong to win by 28 goals against the Panthers who will be its opponent in the qualifying final.

And Pyramid Hill finished 24 goals up against Newbridge ahead of a rematch in the elimination final.

B GRADE

Sea Lake Nandaly 6, 13, 23, 28, (28) lost to Donald 17, 30, 50, 65, (65). Charlton 15, 28, 36, 48, (48) d Wycheproof Narraport 7, 16, 26, 33, (33). Nullawil 16, 26, 38, 48, (48)

d Wedderburn 8, 19, 31, 40, (40). St Arnaud 6, 15, 22, 30, (30) lost to Boort 20, 33, 52, 70, (70).

34, 50, 60, (60).

THIS WEEKEND’S LODDON VALLEY FINALS

(46).

Bears Lagoon

Bears Lagoon Serpentine centre Jayde Ellis and the A Grade team went Pink It Up for Pink Sports Day against Maiden Gully. LH PHOTO

Pyramid Hill’s Gemma Scott in Saturday’s clash with Newbridge. LH PHOTO

Defence flood diverted in final quarter burst

WEDDERBURN pulled off the upset of Saturday’s North Central round with five-goal final term to defeat Nullawil.

The Redbacks put in a stunner against the side destined to play finals in its debut season.

Nullawil had kicked away to 25-point lead in the third quarter, maximising opportunities at the silo end.

And in true Nullawil form, Maroons players had been constantly flooding defence to hamper and hinder the hungry Redbacks.

While Wedderburn had matched the home side early, an inaccurate second term diminished prospects of picking up the points.

Hopes were further dashed in that crucial third quarter with just two scoring shots - shocking summed up how Wedderburn was diverted from its game plan and allowed the home side to dictate terms.

Play was slow, one dimensional and bottled up as Humphreys, Kelly and Smith dictated terms.

Humphreys would end the game with four goals but was outdone by Wedderburn coach Sam Barnes who had another six goals to his season’s tally.

Luke and Louis Holt saw reward for their efforts as the final term unfolded.

Tom Campbell was part of the constant Wedderburn effort for the day while Robert Whyman found even more space to make lively contributions.

Stringing together 10 games in the seniors this season, he was busy, measured and controlled around the ground and was named among the best for the

first time. Again, Whyman had lined up for a second game on the same day, earlier taking the field in the under 17s.

As coach Barnes said after the match: “He flies for the marks, lands on his feet and gets on with the game.”

Wedderburn’s final term plan also turned the tables a bit on Nullawil. For those last 30 minutes, it was the Redbacks who bottled up defence and stifled the Demons who can consider themselves lucky not to be facing Wedderburn again in the finals.

Boort broke through for a long-awaited fourth win of the season, accounting

for St Arnaud by 44 points at Lord Nelson Park.

The scrappy affair showed again the challenges Boort has in front of goal - 18 behinds for the day, McLaren with five and Holland three.

Davis, who has been swung into the backline as the Pies continue juggling an injured list, was named best while Chisari’s presence for a second week back on the fit list aided the midfield.

Tom Potter also gave good support in defence and Fitzpatrick was invaluable around the ground all day as the Pies had a reward for effort this season.

Hope shines through as tough seasons draw to close

WEDDERBURN and Boort draw their senior seasons to close on Saturday with tough final assignments.

For the Redbacks, they will likely finish in sixth spot on the ladder with a positive percentage.

Their form over the last month has demonstrated the capacity to match it with top sides, boosted by the upset victory over Nullawil.

However, Saturday may prove a bridge too far for a Redbacks’ lineup that was

SENIORS

SENIORS

GOALS - St Arnaud: T. Petrie 4, J. Hicks, J. Tillig 2, W. Jackson, B. Organ, A. Bourke. Boort: N. McLaren 5, F. Holland 3, J. Fitzpatrick, H. Weaver, E. Coleman 2, D. Hawker, M. Chisari.

BEST - St Arnaud: K. Torney, B. Organ, T. Petrie, W. Jackson, J. Tillig, Z. Notting. Boort: A. Davis, R. McGhie, T. Potter, J. Fitzpatrick, M. Chisari, N. McLaren.

GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Jenkins 5, B. McInnes 4, J. Summerhayes 3, R. O’Sullivan, T. Donnan, M. Elliott, M. Cahoon, B. Delmenico, T. McKenzie, C. Cox. Donald: S. Dunstan 4, R. Bath, J. Papalia.

BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: B. McInnes, T. McKenzie, B. Weir, A. Mertz, T. Cox, J. Bath. Donald: J. Potter, S. Dunstan, N. Berry, J. Wall, R. Bath, R. Young.

(80)

GOALS - Charlton: N. Thompson 5, C. Gavaghan 4, J. Taylor 2, T. Hill, K. Clifford, M. Heenan, S. Woods. Wycheproof Narraport: C. Jones 6, B. Fraser, G. Hommelhoff 2, D. McLennan, R. Allan.

BEST - Charlton: S. Woods, J. Cowling, C. Gavaghan, R. Thiesz, N. Thompson, B. Lanyon. Wycheproof Narraport: A. Hogan, T. Trewin, S. Allan, J. Bateson, M. Beckmans, G. Hommelhoff.

(74)

GOALS - Nullawil: J. Humphreys 4, A. Thomson, A. Casey 2, Z. Kelly, Z. Caccaviello, D. Watts. Wedderburn: S. Barnes 6, D. Benaim, J. Jones, T. Campbell, M. McEwen, Louis Holt.

BEST - Nullawil: J. Humphreys, P. Kelly, D. Smith, B. Brennan, L. Caccaviello, J. Bamford. Wedderburn: Luke Holt, T. Campbell, S. Lockhart, R. Whyman, Louis Holt, S. Barnes.

RESERVES

hit by injuries and player availability for much of the season.

The Redbacks take on undefeated Sea Lake Nandaly who ran out 79-point victors back in June.

On home turf and a much-more settled side, Wedderburn can be expected to make some serious inroads on that margin in its season farewell.

Boort, another team that has battled the loss of key players all season, there’s a chance of going a full four quarters

IN FRONT OF GOAL

79 - (4) - Sam Dunstan - Donald 69 - (0) - Ben Edwards - Birchip Watchem

56 - (6) - Sam Barnes - Wedderburn 43 - (4) - Billy Mcinnes - Sea Lake Nandaly

41 - (5) - Nick Thompson - Charlton 38 - (0) - Nathan Gordon - Birchip Watchem 38 - (2) - Adam Thomson - Nullawil 36 - (5) - Joshua Jenkins - Sea Lake Nandaly

33 - (1) - Tom Campbell - Wedderburn

Best, fairest counts

CLUBS across the Loddon will start holding their best and fairest counts from this weekend.

The Loddon Herald will publish details as they are made available by clubs.

Details of your club awards for season 2023 can be emailed to loddonherald@gmail.com

32 - (3) - John Summerhayes - Sea Lake N

30 - (2) - Gedd Hommelhoff - Wycheproof N RESERVES

50 - (6) - Billy Poulton - Sea Lake Nandaly

40 - (5) - Patrick O’Rourke - Boort

38 - (6) - Ben Brennan - WycheproofM

38 - (0) - Callum Goode - BirchipWatchem

34 - (8) - Jarrod Taylor - Nullawil

30 - (0) - Gerald Riley - Wedderburn

against Nullawil. Coach Dale Cameron has elevated some of the Pies’ promising juniors in recent weeks as the club sets its senior sights on 2024.

The Pies will be challenged again in the ruck with Nathan Twigg now confirmed as out for the season.

While the seniors prepare to bow out, further strength for the future will emerge with Boort locked in to contest finals in reserves, under 17 and under 14 grades.

IN FRONT OF GOAL

LODDON HERALD TIPS

Birchip Watchem v St Arnaud

Boort v Nullawil

Wedderburn v Sea Lake Nandaly

Donald v Charlton

Wycheproof Narraport bye

Celebration in Feeny Medal change

CLUBS across North Central will hold celebration functions on Saturday to watch a livestream of the Feeny Medal count.

League officials last month decided to change the date and format of the 2023 best and fairest count.

Originally slated for August 30, league president Tim Lockhart said the new date and format would allow players who travelled to play with local clubs each weekend the opportunity to be part

of the count and lap up its atmosphere at after-game functions.

Meanwhile, a close finish is likely in the league goalkicking award.

Donald’s Sam Dunstan is currently 10 ahead of Ben Edwards (Birchip Watchem).

Dunstan will look to add to his current 79 goals against Charlton while Edwards could be in for a big day against bottom side St Arnaud on Saturday.

GOALS - Charlton: M. Campbell, E. Needs. Wycheproof Narraport: B. Brennan 6, C. Duffy, D. Turner. BEST - Charlton: B. Sexton, T. Catherine, S. O’Connor, H. Bourke, P. Soulsby, J. Zagame. Wycheproof Narraport: R. Jones, T. Rumbold, D. Murray, L. Bish, D. Turner, S. Rodda.

GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: B. Poulton 6, N. Wight 5, D. Hickey, D. Bailey, J. Donnan, J. Hatcher 2, R. McGarry, J. Clohesy, C. Elliott.

BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: C. Michael, C. Allan, R. McGarry, J. Donnan, C. Tait, J. Clohesy. Donald: N. Clark, K. Green, C. Anderson, J. Sullivan, J. Adams, E. Clapham.

St Arnaud 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 (9) Boort 3.3 5.11 13.15 18.23 (131)

GOALS - St Arnaud: H. McNally. Boort: P. O’Rourke 5, N. Gooding 4, E. Lanyon 3, C. O’Rourke, T. Rhook 2, J. Kane, M. Buchanan.

BEST - St Arnaud: H. McNally, D. Needs, S. Male, D. Clohesy, R. Burke, C. Snell. Boort: M. Buchanan, B. Slatter, P. O’Rourke, E. Lanyon, J. Mulquiny, J. Dowling.

Nullawil

(0)

- Nullawil: J. Taylor 8, W. Hogan, L. Braine 5, J. Perry, N. Williams 2, D. Kelly, J. Barry, J. Morrison, A. McGrath, G. Forrester, C. Fawcett.

BEST - Nullawil: C. Fawcett, J. Taylor, L. Braine, J. Barry, M. Hogan, W. Hogan. Wedderburn: J. Hayes, A. Brett, F. Turnbull, C. Lang, K. Wright, S. Carroll.

Wedderburn’s Luke Holt

Departing spirits for last time?

A SPIRITED Maiden Gully departed a Loddon Valley league ground for possibly the last time on Saturday having won the final quarter of play against Bears Lagoon Serpentine.

The Eagles had hinted at causing mischief for the qualifying final-bound Bears with some good turnovers in defence for three quarters.

But those efforts were always brought undone by an erratic game plan that has criss-crossed grounds all season with poorly directed chip kicks and reflexes caught out by more determined sides.

The Bears were no different on Saturday as Brohm, Laird and Draper showed Maiden Gully why one side is playing finals and the other not.

Coach Laird bobbed up at the crucial times again, stripping opponents of any momentum. Another handy three goals simply some icing on the cake, a few others sealed by his shepherding.

It did take Serpentine a while to settle, however, with both sides offline in the opening minutes before Paxton broke through with a major.

Paxton showed agility later in the term when he scooped the rolling ball off the ground and dribbled through a second goal.

Jean-Miguel Podosky was showing his worth in defence and across the midfield early, frustrating the Eagles as they tried to swoop deep.

It was only in the final seconds of the opening term that Maiden Gully put a goal on the board - Tyler Miles centreing across to Brandon Dimech who became the first player with his name on the scoresheet.

Both teams found goals early in the second term before Serpentine saw off the temporary Eagles’ surge with Ryan Prendergast and Laird combining before Maiden Gully registered two quick goals

through Dimech and Wust, capping off some good work by ruckman Mathew Crooks.

The second half was a tale of Serpentine doing enough to stay ahead, but again the goals posts were not always within centre sight.

The Bears actually finished the match with a rather untidy scoreline of 22 behinds, the final term the most inaccurate returning 2.7 while Maiden Gully posted a more respectable 4.2.

Miles, McDonald and McCartney were named the Eagles’ best along with Crooks as the side departed for possibly the final time.

For Serpentine, the Bears have shown themselves to be one of the most consistent sides in the league this season.

The big test will come in Saturday’s qualifying final against Pyramid Hillthe Bulldogs and the Panthers the only sides they have not beaten in 2023.

Big names rest ahead of title defence

MARONG rested big names Brandyn Grenfell and Corey Gregg for last weekend’s final home and away season match against Mitiamo.

The only difference their absence made was that the Panthers, raging favourites to repeat the grand final domination of 2022, had a winning margin of less than 100 points first the first time in more than two months.

The Panthers were close to achieving the feat until Mitiamo vice-captain Ross Turner booted accurately in the dying minutes of a season that has seen the Superoos comes from the brink of oblivion to being the best of the rest.

Top

SENIORS

GOALS - Newbridge: C. Dixon 3, J. Harkness, W. Daly, J. Murray, A. Fortune. Pyramid Hill: Z. Alford 6, J. Woodward 5, J. Sheahan, W. Perryman, D. Collis 3, H. Goodes, S. Relouw, T. Brennan 2, S. Gunther, B. Micevski.

BEST - Newbridge: W. Copland, T. McLeod, W. Daly, D. Lloyd, L. Nihill, A. Fithall. Pyramid Hill: D. Collis, Z. Alford, T. McGregor, L. Sidebottom, T. Brennan, B. Micevski,.

GOALS - Marong: K. Robins 6, J. Davis, T. Thach, R. Taylor, N. McCaig, M. Riordan 2, M. Grant, J. McCaig, L. Lee, T. Fisher. Mitiamo: B. Baines 2, K. Galvin, R. Turner, J. Rawlings, J. Reynolds.

BEST - Marong: K. Robins, L. Lee, M. Willox, R. Taylor, J. McCaig, T. Fisher. Mitiamo: R. Turner, L. Lougoon, Z. Morrison, E. Spiers, J. Carracher, B. Baines.

(76)

(82)

GOALS - Calivil: H. Wall, M. Avard, J. Lawry 2, K. Newton, B. Baker, T. Piazza, A. Dennis. Inglewood: B. Cotchett 4, F. Payne, J. Nevins 2, D. Polack, A. Lowe, C. Ingham, M. Rowe.

BEST - Calivil: J. Maher, M. Avard, A. Dennis, H. Miller, B. Richards, B. Mensforth. Inglewood: B. Cotchett, K. Payne, D. Polack, J. Leach, F. Payne, L. Matheson.

Turner and fellow Mitiamo veteran Luke Lougoon were named the best in a side that did not cave in to Marong. In fact, tackling in defence and across the midfield helped the Superoos contain Marong to three goals in the final term.

The Panthers, however, had the match sown-up with seven-goal hauls in the first and third quarters.

Kain Robins led the way with six goals and another eight chipped in with majors for the day.

Robins was named the Panthers’ best along with Lachlan Lee and Matthew Willox in completing an undefeated home and away season.

Marong will have the first weekend of finals off in all three grades where it has been undefeated, amassing massive percentages and already claiming the minor premierships.

The Panthers, like fellow Loddon Valley club Maiden Gully, face an uncertain future.

Their bids to switch to Heathcote league in season 2024 are up in the air after Heathcote clubs last week deferred a decision for two weeks on the back of AFL Central Victoria proposing options for a restructure of football across the region.

- CHRIS EARL

Blue Billett ready to go around again

DARRELL Billett wants another year as senior coach of Inglewood.

The 1986 premiership player takes the Blues into their first finals game in 20 years this weekend.

Billett was appointed for his second stint as Blues coach in late 2019 and told the Loddon Herald’s Editor and The Oracle Podcast this week that he had reapplied for the post.

“I’m keen to do one more year. Then

it will be time to hand over,” Billett said after the Blues kicked the final two goals to defeat a charged Calivil in the final home and away game at the weekend.

“They came at us hard as you would expect with Calivil.”

Billett said there was a strong sense of community culture around the Blues.

“And Leigh Lamprell has done a great job with the junior program,” Billett said.

“We’ve built the team around some

THIS WEEKEND’S TIPS

GLENN CATTO

SENIORS

v Bridgewater

Qualifying - Pyramid Hill v Bears

Lagoon Serpentine

RESERVES

Elimination - Inglewood v Maiden

Gully

Qualifying

Bears Lagoon Serpentine v Pyramid Hill

IN FRONT OF GOAL

great up and coming youngsters and players who want to be with us.

“So, yes, I’ve put the hand up to do one more year.”

Inglewood’s constitution requires the club seek applicants for the coaching role.

The Blues have yet to makeannounced their 2024 appointment. Calivil last week gave the nod for Anthony Dennis to be at helm again next year.

Richard Hicks

LVFNL vice-chair

SENIORS

Elimination - Inglewood v Bridgewater

Qualifying - Pyramid Hill v Bears

Lagoon Serpentine

RESERVES

Elimination - Inglewood v Maiden

Gully

Qualifying

Bears Lagoon Serpentine v Pyramid Hill

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Rippingale, J. Laird 3, C. Draper, J. Podosky, L. Mott, K. Paxton 2, J. Bailey. Maiden Gully: D. Wust 5, B. Dimech 2, N. Murley, T. Miles.

BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: A. Brohm, J. Laird, C. Draper, J. Bailey, B. Roy-Clements, J. Podosky, Maiden Gully: T. Miles, J. McDonald, H. McCartney, G. Brown, B. Watson, M. Crooks.

RESERVES

- Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Gladman 3, G. Boyd 2, C. Tuohey, M. Quinn. Maiden Gully: C. Sungalis 2, A. Cazar, J. Baum, J. Covington, N. Johnston.

BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: Z. Hollis, Z. Stone, C. O’Shannessy, C. Tuohey, C. Davies, G. Boyd.

Gully: J. Crisp, S. Turner, W. Anderson, C. Hale, J. Baum, W. Donaczy.

GOALS - Newbridge: C. Grant 3, K. Gard, J. Dawkins, N. Gray, B. Pearce, R. Hipworth. Pyramid Hill: A. Dye, R. Pollock 5, N. Skinner 3, D. Lovell, L. Dillon. BEST - Newbridge: M. Adams, C. Grant, O. Gordon, K. Gard, O. Friswell, M. Kirley. Pyramid Hill: D. Lovell, A. Dye, T. Walker, D. Hetherington, M. Moon, N. Skinner.

(15)

GOALS - Marong: Z. Turnbull, T. Grant 4, A. Collins, J. Harris 3, R. Gretgrix, C. Fleming 2, G. Dowler, J. Evenden, T. Blandthorn, R. Hender. Mitiamo: W. Draper, E. Hocking.

BEST - Marong: T. Grant, B. Matthews, A. Collins, J. Harris, F. Stewart, R. Hender. Mitiamo: J. Watt, D. Saliba, E. Hocking, C. Pearson, K. Pentreath, A. McKean.

sport

Thursday August 17, 2023

BLUES FATE DATE

INGLEWOOD makes its first Loddon Valley senior football finals appearance in more than 20 years this weekend.

The Blues come up against Bridgewater in Sunday’s elimination final.

They have beaten the Mean Machine in both home and away clashes of 2023 to end a losing streak that stretches back as far as being in finals.

Coach Darrell Billett admits the side has improved again this season. “Making the finals is an important step for the club,” he said.

Aidan Brohm puts in a best-on-ground performance for Bears Lagoon Serpentine against Maiden Gully last Saturday. The Bears meet Pyramid Hill in this weekend’s qualifying final,

“And it’s good for the townthere’s a lot of enthusiasm.”

Among players likely to be selected for the date with destiny is Jack Nevins who has played all

Club calls behind new league proposal, says commissioner

TELEPHONE calls to commissioners in the days after a summit of Loddon Valley, Heathcote and Bendigo league clubs had driven an AFL Central Victoria proposal to establish a new league in the region.

Leon Holt, one of seven commissioners, has told the Loddon Herald’s Editor and The Oracle podcast that phones had ran hot with suggestions from clubs not raised at the talks.

Holt said the commission was committed to the future of the three leagues and believed Loddon Valley, whether it remained at nine clubs or became seven or eight, would stay a cracking local competition.

He also said there could be talks with other regions across country Victoria, acknowledging there was a crossover of clubs currently with leagues in another region but close to clubs part of AFL Central Victoria.

The commission has come under fire floating a proposal that had not been discussed at the club summit. League officials were not invited to that meeting.

Holt said some errors had been made in naming possible teams that could form a new league.

“We’ve put suggestions out there. It’s up to the clubs and leagues to have discussions,” Holt said.

his senior football at Inglewood. “We’re all looking forward to running out on the ground. We want to keep going,” said Nevins. Bridgewater had the bye last weekend and while refreshed, Loddon Herald’s tipping panel is going for the Blues to play another day.

The tipsters say Saturday’s qualifying final between Pyramid Hill and Bears Lagoon Serpentine will be a ripper.

“Pyramid Hill has consistently been the second best side in the competition in recent years,” said Glenn Catto.

“It will all depend on the players available for selection after a tough year with injures.

“Serpentine has shown it can do enough to win. If the Bears can do more, the challenge will be well and truly on.”

Leon Holt